My family heritage comes from an island off the coast of Denmark called Funan, also the home of Hans Christian Andersen. To designers this medium sized island is most notably where the contemporary mobile began.

Mobiles originated in Denmark as a traditional craft. In 1954 they were reinterpreted and shown in a modern light by the “Uromager”, otherwise known as Christian Flensted. His nickname translates into something like “maker of things mischievous and always on the move”. Those wacky Danes (remember these are my people).

This abstract home decoration is an inspiration for adults and children alike. Gift givers seeking a unique and fun item that brings a new feel to any space and a smile to any face, will be thrilled to see the choices offered at Seattle boutique store, Eurostyle Your Life. They have a pretty decent number of Flensted mobiles.

Shown is “Flowing Rhythm”, created so that the elements are in constant motion while the entire mobile maintains a harmonic balance. Each mobile is carefully assembled, and balanced by skillful hands. They are packed so that they are ready to hang. They also ship incredibly well.

For many reasons, this is an ideal year to help save peoples jobs!
There are hundreds of magazines out there. You can find a periodical for every personality type, and since the print publishing industry is badly hurting, you will be helping creative professionals (like designers, writers and photographers) stay employed.

The more subscriptions you purchase the more you are giving back. If you want to get even more specific with your support, you can subscribe to your local monthly, such as Portland Monthly.

Besides that just think, a magazine subscription keeps you in someone’s mind for an entire year!

Interesting look into the development of the Obama ’08 logo. Sol Sender led the creative team with designers Andy Keene and Amanda Gentry. Sender is now working as a strategist at VSA Partners here in Chicago, where this video was filmed. A detailed walk-through of the design process can also be seen over at LogoDesignLove.

One of the best gifts I’ve ever received, especially since I’m a big fan of taking photos with slide film, is this wall-mounted slide light by SUCK UK. Their site may be a good place for our overseas readers to buy it, though for anyone in America I’d recommend going to Generate. Lots of clever and attractive gifts can be found there.

Inspired by Christine’s heavily hyperlinked internet phone post, I thought I would share a few things on my gift list this year. Some of this is wishful thinking (what blog-induced gift list isn’t, really?) other things are by talented friends who just happen to be selling a thing or two.

1. Reclaimed Paper Sketchbooks by PapergeistMatt Normand has been creating these amazing sketchbooks and planners from reclaimed office paper and found LP covers. Each is unique and assembled with equal measures of wit and care.

3. Anything from Tas-Ka
Much like Kiosk, but a bit less ironic. Most of the items for sale at Tas-Ka are Dutch vintage finds.

4. “Feast” Cookbook from Lines and Shapes Magazine
Besides design books, I buy cookbooks more than any other type of book. Some are more essential than others, but when it comes down to it, few cookbooks are really personal. “Feast” special edition is slipcased, signed and hand-numbered; 300 copies available.

It’s for you! Listen, VOIP technology is super awesome, letting you use your computer to keep in touch. But we’ve got just the thing: the Internet Phone, an old school styled phone receiver that conveniently plugs into the 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks on your computer.

The Kyoto Costume Institute (KCI) recognizes the importance of understanding clothing sociologically, historically, and artistically. Showcasing a vast selection from the Institute’s archives of skilled photographs depicting the clothing expertly displayed and arranged on custom-made mannequins, Fashion History is a fascinating excursion through the last three centuries of clothing trends. The KCI believes that “clothing is an essential manifestation of our very being” and their passion and dedication positively radiate from every page of this book. This special 25th anniversary edition has a chic new format: a boxed set of two volumes.

For the men out there who dare to pick up clothing gifts for their female partner, the Zeha Berlin Oxfords are a beautifully designed classic. This is a mans oxford made for a woman. They have the feminine twist of gradient tone from grey into brown.